Mananui Tramline (Māhinapua Walkway)
Located in Māhinapua Scenic Reserve in the West Coast region
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Introduction
This flat, easy walk or mountain bike ride, suitable for children, follows an old logging tramline and passes beautiful Lake Māhinapua.This track is part of the West Coast Wilderness Trail (Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails).
Woodstock Rimu Road to Picnic Point
Starting from the car park off the Woodstock Rimu Road, the eastern end of the walkway leaves the road and joins a historic logging tramline which is followed for the rest of the trip.
After a straight flat section section, the track climbs gradually around the side of a small hill before reaching the turn-off to Picnic Point. The track to Picnic Point is a side trip to a small pebbly beach on the edge of Lake Māhinapua which is about 15 minute walk from the turn-off. Picnic Point and return to the carpark is about one hour and is a popular walk for those not wanting to go along the whole walkway.
Picnic Point turnoff to Mananui Bush
Soon after the turn-off to Picnic Point the tramline leaves the scenic reserve and crosses a creek into Māhinapua Forest. This area was commercially logged before being grazed for a short time. It then became an experimental forestry station and was logged again in the 1970s.
The track continues through the forest before descending around the side of a small hill to lower lying land. Elevated board walks are used to cross this swampy area, which floods regularly. After crossing this swamp the track sweeps around to the site of the Mananui Sawmill that was started in 1885. From here the walkway crosses Māhinapua Creek and its swampy margins via a foot bridge and through a privately owned deer farm, before emerging on S 6 just north of Mananui bush.
Access is from a signposted car park approximately 8 km south of Hokitika on SH6 or from a car park on the eastern side of Lake Māhinapua on the Woodstock Rimu Road. The walk can be done from either direction.
After heavy rain, water may rise and cover the boardwalk so it becomes impassable.
The track is part of the West Coast Wilderness Trail and is a Grade 2: Easy mountain biking experience. You can expect a wide track with a good surface and occasional board walks. The track is a mixture of flat sections and gentle up and downhill.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
Contacts
| Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 731 1895 |
| paparoavc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |